Terence Crawford (34-0) – The southpaw speedster from Omaha, Nebraska is begging the other welterweights to step up against him. His last ring appearance saw him win a spirited welterweight battle against talented Jose Benavidez. That fight ended in an emphatic knockout win after lightning blows from Crawford. At 31, he needs a fellow welterweight star to agree to a mega showdown to show the world what he can do.
Saul Alvarez (51-1-2) – Mexico’s super star recently moved up another weight division and knocked out the super middleweight champion as easy you can spell Rocky Fielding. Now the 28-year-old red head from Guadalajara seeks to unify the middleweight titles against Daniel Jacobs in a showdown between two highly skilled big punching middleweights on May 4, in Las Vegas. Alvarez could be on his way to legendary status like idol Muhammad Ali if he continues winning.
Mikey Garcia (39-0) – Southern California’s Mikey Garcia has won world titles in the featherweight, super featherweight, lightweight and super lightweight divisions. That’s not easy to do. Now he’s going after glory and seeks to fight undefeated welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. If he’s victorious, the 30-year-old fighter will quickly be crowned a super star in the prizefighting world. Many call him boxing’s smartest fighter plain and simple.
Vasyl Lomachenko (12-1) – The Ukrainian southpaw known as “High Tech,” has won world titles in the featherweight, super featherweight and lightweight divisions, all this in a mere 13 pro fights. At age 31, does he have enough time to convince the world stage that he’s on the super star level as some say. Time is running out and he needs a showdown with an elite fighter to prove he indeed is a super star talent. Language seems to be the only barrier that keeps him from taking it up to the next level.
Gennady Golovkin (38-1-1) – “Triple G” has banged his way to prominence with his Mexican style boxing over the past seven years. Who would have thought a kid from Kazakhstan could be a sports idol with a large following. Now 36, does Golovkin have enough in the tank and heart to keep his place near the top of the pound for pound rankings. The beloved ex-middleweight champion could easily move up one or two weight divisions and wreak havoc. Few can withstand Golovkin’s punching power.
Naoya Inoue (17-0) – Japan’s lightning and thunderbolt fisted Inoue has won world titles in the light flyweight, super flyweight and bantamweight divisions. At 25 years of age the fighter known as “Monster” has plenty of time to ruin other divisions as well. The Yokohama missile has blasted his way through three weight divisions and seeks more conquests, especially in the USA for the right price. He’s one of the most electric fighters in the boxing world today. Somebody needs to pay this guy.
Errol Spence Jr. (24-0) – The Texas welterweight southpaw has all the tools to remain a star for a long time. Next on his agenda is a showdown with Mikey Garcia on Saturday March 16 in Arlington, Texas. The former Olympian has speed, power and skill and will benefit from a mega showdown like this to prove his mettle. This could be the start of something great for Spence who is perhaps the most fearless of all welterweights. He already traveled to England and won and now he’s eager to fight four-division champ Garcia. Spence is only 29.
Leo Santa Cruz (36-1-1) – The Los Angeles’ prizefighter was not wanted by the power promoters when he began his pro career. Now 30, Santa Cruz has won world titles in the bantamweight, super bantamweight and featherweight divisions. He’s become one of the stars of the lower weight classes for his nonstop action fights. Despite having a pressure style of fighting, he’s seldom recognized for his other skills. Those promoters who passed him over years ago must be kicking themselves.
Deontay Wilder (40-0-1, 39 KOs) – Few heavyweights bring the action like Wilder, 33. Once the Alabama product hurts an opponent he unfurls the madness and the punches fly. His last battle against Great Britain’s Tyson Fury was a perfect example of heavyweight power. One punch is all it takes for Wilder to prove superiority. Though his fight with Fury ended in a draw, he remains one of the most exciting fighters on the planet. And he’s a heavyweight.
Wisaksil Wangek (47-4-1, 41 KOs) – Also known as Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, whatever name he goes by the Thailand banger is one of the strongest fighters below 118 pounds. Ever since he knocked out Roman Gonzalez in September 2017, other super flyweights seem hesitant about facing him. He will be defending his super flyweight world title against Juan Francisco Estrada who he defeated by close majority decision last year. Their rematch takes place in April 26, in Los Angeles.
